My elderberry tree is covered in flowers. It is time to make elderflower syrup.
Elderberry trees were traditionally planted on farms and were known as ‘ holy trees’, for their ability to improve health and longevity. Juices from elderberries are meant to be antioxidant, boost your immune system and be good against coughs, colds, chest congestion and flu. The flowers steeped in oil relax muscle aches and sunburn. Sounds like a miracle plant. And ,to cap it all off, syrup made from the flowers is really delicious ! In Zurich they make a very popular and refreshing summer cocktail , The Hugo , from elderflower syrup, mint and prosecco with lots of ice. So your evening aperitivo can be a health drink too.
- Ingredients
- 2 litres of water
- 2 kg sugar
- 20 gr citric acid
- 10 elderflower heads
- 1 organic lemon cut into 4
cut off the leaves and stems of the flowers
put water, sugar, lemon and citric acid into a large pot and bring to the boil
add the elderflower flowers
gently boil for 10 minutes stirring from time to time
turn off the heat and let it stand for 2 days, stirring from time to time
on the third day remove the flowers and the lemon
bring the liquid to a boil and the strain it through a muslin into sterilised bottles
seal the bottles
